Jarret Johnson, Eddie Royal and Jared Gaither Not Expected to Play Thursday

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July 26, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Jarret Johnson (96) during a break in drills during training camp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

With Jarret Johnson on the sideline for Thursday’s game, who will get the start at outside linebacker? Will that go to Antwan Barnes or will we get to see the rookie Melvin Ingram out with the first team? We should see plenty of Ingram on Thursday, but it would be awesome to see him out there with the number ones. Johnson has been sidelined with a tight hamstring.

There has been a lot of buzz around the pickups by A.J. Smith in the offseason, but we will have to place our enthusiasm on hold for Johnson and Eddie Royal. Royal has been sidelined with a strained groin and has been slowly working his way back into practice. He has done some work on the side, but he needs to make sure that he is 100% for the start of the season, During OTAs, Royal was drawing lots of praise from players on the team and his coaches for his skills in the slot. We all are still waiting to see those skills on display.

The biggest injury concern is out left tackle Jared Gaither. Gaither has been inactive with back spasms and he will not participate in the game on Thursday. The starting gig will probably be given to undrafted free agent Mike Harris while Gaither is out of commission. There still is no timetable for Gaither’s return, but fans are getting impatient on the big fella.